RAZR 2 is on its way to Verizon Wireless

We all know someone that has a RAZR cell phone. It’s hard not to when Motorola sold more than 50 million of them.

But the road has been a little rocky for Motorola as it’s tried to replicate its success of the thin and fashionable RAZR. The KRZR and the RIZR haven’t been the answer.

But maybe, just maybe, a sequel to the RAZR can right the ship for Motorola and also create buzz again in an industry that is now rife with RAZR clones.

Verizon Wireless is the first carrier to announce its betting on the RAZR 2, officially named the MOTORAZR(2)V9m. The company said its flavor of RAZR 2 will hit stores in September for $299 after a $50 rebate and with a 2-year contract. Expect similar announcements soon from the other three big carriers.

The phone is sleeker and better made than its predecessor with a shiny stainless steel shell and full glass displays. It sports a huge external display, 2 megapixel camera, 3G data speed access, GPS and even some touch-screen buttons on the outside with some vibration feedback to boot.

I’ve been playing with one RAZR 2 model for the last couple days and it’s beautiful. It’s not a particular triumph of user interface, partly because a lot of that is now dictated by the carriers and their demands. But the phone itself has got to be one of the most fashionable devices out there, with its solid construction and luxury feel. It feels heavier than the original RAZR and is a tad longer when opened. It doesn’t have the familar “hump” at the bottom of the phone so there is more room for buttons, including a direct web button.

The outside display is the same size as the internal display, which is to say very big. One of the nice things is you can do a certain amount of functions right from the outside of the phone without having to open it. There are three touch-sensitive buttons on the bottom of the external screen that vibrate when hit. That feedback works nicely and makes you wish they had put it on the iPhone.

At $299, it’s still a bit pricey for people. But for all those RAZR owners looking for the next thing, this is a pretty package that should tempt them to stay with Motorola. So you RAZR lovers and haters out there, you interested?

UPDATE: Motorola said the MOTORAZR2 will also be available from Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and US Cellular in addition to Verizon Wireless. Availability from certain carriers will come as early 14 days from now.